At one of my book events in Boulder, Colorado, an artist in the audience mentioned her frustrations with being an introvert on Twitter. She feared saying something that she might regret later.
I imagine there are many other artists out there who feel the same way she does.
As I was fumbling to respond to the concerns, audience member Andrea Meyer, a writer, entered the discussion. She said that she loves Twitter so much precisely because she's an introvert.
I was intrigued enough to ask for a follow-up phone interview with Andrea, who obliged.
Andrea said that in social situations, it's often hard for introverts to think on their feet.
Introverts often can't get a word in edgewise in an in-person group conversation. The extroverts are taking charge while the introverts are churning over their response.
After a little time has passed, it's too late to speak up. The conversation has moved on.
Not so with Twitter or other forms of social media.
Twitter seems like an instant platform, but it actually gives you a little time to respond and still participate in the conversation.
It's a level playing field. Introverts get just as much screen space as extroverts.
Are you an introvert?
Is Twitter (or another social media site) a perfect platform for introverts?
Is Twitter a Perfect Platform for Introverts?
- Alyson Stanfield
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11 thoughts on “Is Twitter a Perfect Platform for Introverts?”
Interesting points. I too am an introvert and your description is perfect. I am quite inconsistent with Twitter; mostly because I feel I should keep up with others as well and I find it so fragmented – it sort of goes against my need for focus. I do agree though that it is a ready platform. Another thing I like about twitter is that it forces you to economize with words, something we introverts are good at! I also agree that online platforms in general are a great way for introverts to boost their visibility.
I’m just getting into my stride with Twitter.
What I particularly love about it is the breakdown of barriers. All ages and demographics are represented and freely correspond with one another. We are united in our passions and interests, not in what social groups we belong to.
Using Twitter or any online social networking site which (to me) includes email, definitely provides the time need to think things through. I find the time to provide quality solutions to questions posed invaluable.
I had great hopes for social media like Facebook but find that even with the lack from face-to-face interaction being involved with so many people is quickly overwhelming.
I just started using twitter. I’m an extrovert and I love sharing what I’m doing. Besides, people find art making to be mysterious and folks seem to enjoy getting a glimpse on the day’s activities.
I feel twitter is the perfect platform for introverts. I just started using twitter recently after Alyson recommended it in one of her classes. I have found it to be an excellent way to break out of your day-to-day world in a way that isn’t too frightening for those of us who enjoy being “in the company of ourselves”. If you find you rather send an email or Instant Message to someone rather than talk to them face-to-face, you’ll love twitter once you give it a chance.
I have introvert tendencies and I love all the online platforms because it’s easier to speak with others this way. You can wait and mull things or you can just jump right in. It does make it easier to put your foot in your mouth too, but that just needs you to think about what you’re typing, just like real life. I think it gives people an opportunity to connect on their own terms at their own pace.
Exactly so. I will sometimes sit on a reply for a half-hour or so and then rewrite it once or twice before hitting send. And even then, I’ve been known to delete a tweet and substitute an improved version.
In this regard, Google+ is even better, for it allows you to edit a post at any time, whereas Facebook is lame and lacking, allowing neither deletion nor edits.
Wow! This makes so much sense – thanks for sharing!
Being on Twitter actually makes me feel more like an extrovert. I feel like the Twitter aspect makes it much easier to simply scoff any criticism and say “oh, well you’re on the internet and you don’t know me, therefore you don’t really matter.” It’s not something I could see myself being able to do a lot of in the “real” world.
I am most definitely an introvert so Twitter is great for me. I love Twitter and Tumblr. Both sites introduce you to people who share the same common interest. Facebook is just real life people on the internet, I dislike that.